Attorneys general stand up against Trump, for integrity of U.S. Census

A rose to Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller for joining a coalition of state attorneys general, cities and mayors in standing up against the xenophobic antics of President Donald Trump.

They filed a lawsuit seeking to block the president's plan to ask respondents during the 2020 census if they are U.S. citizens. The lawsuit alleges such a question is unconstitutional.

Trump’s endeavor is a politically driven move that will discourage participation in an important survey of this country’s residents. The census gathers information about demographics, household size, population changes and home ownership. It has not specifically asked respondents whether they are U.S. citizens in 70 years.

Several former directors of the Census Bureau believe such a question would depress participation and lead to a significant undercount. A reduction in participation could diminish states’ representation in Congress and threaten billions of dollars in federal funding for infrastructure and Medicaid.

“We believe everyone should be counted,” said Miller in a prepared statement.

Trump has gone out of his way to create a culture of fear in immigrant communities. Now he is seeking to inject his politics into a constitutionally mandated population count, making it less likely some will answer any of the questions asked.

A rose to Heartland Youth Choir for commissioning an all-Iowa choral composition in celebration of the nonprofit group's 15th anniversary.

Elaine Hagenberg, whose songs have been performed throughout the country, composed “See How The Rose Unfolds.” (The name is a happy coincidence that didn't factor into awarding this rose.)

Hagenberg is a Drake University graduate, lives in the Des Moines metro and is considered a rising star in choral music. Her song is based on a poem by another Iowan, Elaine Jungers of Sheldon.

More than 500 singers were expected to participate on Friday and Saturday at the choir's Meet the Composer Festival, featuring the world premiere of Hagenberg's song.

A thistle to the private managed care companies administering Iowa’s Medicaid program for systematically refusing to pay for patients' care. A new report from the state ombudsman found disabled residents are being denied medical services or having them reduced in a “stubborn and absurd” way that “makes a mockery” out of the state’s appeal processes.

The findings mirror those of a Des Moines Register investigation earlier this year that examined hundreds of appeals from patients. Both found the private companies continued to deny services to people even after they won appeals.

In one case, the insurer reduced a quadriplegic’s in-home care by 71 percent, which resulted in him being moved to a nursing home. That cost the taxpayers an additional $1,815 per month.

In many cases, care reductions were implemented without notifying disabled patients.

Former Gov. Terry Branstad foisted privatized Medicaid on Iowans in 2016 and insisted his plan would improve services and save money. We await concrete evidence that either has happened.